Prevention Newsletters

"When you don't have enough fluid in your system, it leads to an electrolyte imbalance that causes your muscles to cramp up," says Dr. Zillmer.

Electrolytes are chemicals in the body (sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium) that help the cells function normally. An imbalance occurs when we have too much or too little of one or more electrolytes in our system. The main electrolytes affecting muscle cramping are sodium, calcium, and potassium.

Other cramps, not related to fluid intake, occur after inactivity such as sitting too long in one place without moving a muscle. Sometimes you even get a cramp when you're just lying in bed, though no one is sure why.[pagebreak]

Treatment

Though people most often get cramps in their calves, you can also get them in your thighs, feet, or just about any muscle. But doctors say that most cramps can be eased by a few simple measures.

Massage gently. To relax the tightened area, Dr. Zillmer suggests gently massaging the spot that's cramped, whether it's a crick in your calf from overexercising or a spasm in your feet from wearing high heels all day.

S-t-r-e-t-c-h. "Next, stretch the muscle out slowly and gently, as long as you don't feel pain," says Dr. Zillmer.

For calf cramps, do a wall stretch. Stand about 3 feet away from the wall, with your knees straight and your heels on the floor. Lean into the wall, supporting yourself with your hands. You will feel the stretch of your calf muscles. Hold for 60 seconds, and repeat three times, says Dr. Zillmer.

Drink fluids. "If you get muscle cramps after golf or other forms of exertion, drink water or a sports drink or juice to rehydrate and restore your electrolyte balance," says Dr. Zillmer. Most of the time, water will be sufficient to rehydrate you. The exception is if you have spent several hours exercising in extreme heat. You are then better off choosing a sports drink containing electrolytes. Focus on calcium, potassium, and general hydration.

Get some calcium and potassium. The electrolyte imbalance that causes muscle cramps can also be caused by deficiencies of calcium and potassium in the diet, says Margot Putukian, MD, team physician at Pennsylvania State University and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery and internal medicine at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey. To beef up your calcium levels, she suggests low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and skim milk. For potassium, focus on sweet potatoes, turkey, bananas, and orange juice.

Undo a cramp with ice. "Ice is both a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory," says Judith C. Stern, a physical therapist in private practice in Westchester, NY. Stern suggests you keep a paper cup of ice in the freezer for just such emergencies, then massage the area on and around your cramp as needed. "Tear down the edge of the cup and, holding the paper end, rub the ice over the cramped muscle. This way, it won't be too cold to hold," says Stern.

Massage the area with ice for no more than 10 minutes, or until the area is bright red, which indicates that blood cells have returned to heat the cramped muscle. You can also use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables.

Heat is another option. Heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than ice, says Stern. Try a heating pad for 20 minutes at a time or even a warm shower or bath. Massage the muscle with your hands following ice or heat.

Move around. "Inactivity also is a cause of cramps," says Valery Lanyi, MD, physiatrist at Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University Medical Center in New York City. If you've been on the road for an hour, get out and walk around for 5 minutes.[pagebreak]

When to See a Doctor

Muscle cramps usually go away on their own, even if you do nothing, says Dr. Putukian. But if you're drinking plenty of fluids and eating a balanced diet and keep getting cramps, see your doctor. Frequent, intense muscle cramping may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a blood clot or an electrolyte problem.